The Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an orientation program for new faculty members on 4-5 September 2024. The event, attended by newly appointed lecturers, as well as department and faculty organizers, was designed to prepare new faculty for their roles in the academic world.

The orientation, held at the Venture Lab r of the AGLC Building, was inaugurated by Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Agriculture. Jaka highlighted the crucial role of lecturers in shaping future leaders in agriculture. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration in the learning process and outlined the Faculty’s vision and mission under the tagline “Smart Eco-Bioproduction,” which encompasses six pillars: crop, smart, eco, bio-production, agribusiness, and communication. He expressed hope that understanding these concepts would inspire new faculty members to contribute effectively and collaborate enthusiastically.

The program continued with presentations from various speakers, including Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation. Prof. Subejo assured the new faculty that Faculty of Agriculture fully supports and provides facilities for their professional development, including grants for young lecturers based on output. He also facilitated discussions on current challenges and opportunities in higher education.

New faculty members were introduced to academic and student affairs by Dr. Dyah Weny Respatie, S.P., M.Si., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Dr. Weny provided insights into the Faculty’s student programs, such as the International Undergraduate Class (IUC), Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS), and the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, which require support from all members of the Faculty, including new lecturers.

Participants expressed their eagerness to contribute to advancing agricultural science and supporting the Faculty’s vision as a centre of excellence both nationally and internationally. Notably, Yumechris Amekan, S.Si., M.Biotech, Ph.D., known as Micky, from the Agricultural Microbiology Department, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating across departments and faculties to advance Faculty of Agriculture on the global stage.

“I hope to synergize and collaborate not only with colleagues in my department but also with those from other departments and faculties, so we can collectively advance the Faculty of Agriculture UGM both nationally and internationally,” Micky said.

Similarly, Ishadiyanto Salim, S.Pd., M.Pd., a new lecturer in the Agricultural Extension and Communication program, expressed his commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to support agricultural extension and enhance the sector.

“As a lecturer in Agricultural Extension and Communication, I am deeply interested in how innovation and technology can support agricultural extension for the welfare of farmers and the development of this sector. By joining Faculty of Agriculture UGM, I feel I can directly contribute to shaping a new generation with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to advance Indonesian agriculture,” Salim stated.

The second day of the orientation included sessions on financial management, assets, and human resources led by Dr. R.A. Siti Ari Budhiyanti, S.T.P., M.P., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. Dr. Budhiyanti discussed UGM Rector’s Regulation No. 11 of 2023 on Human Resource Management, detailing the duties, rights, and responsibilities of lecturers. The day concluded with department-specific presentations from the Head of Department and an overview of general administration by Agus Sudarwinto, S.E., M.M., Head of the Faculty Administration Office, who explained procedural guidelines for correspondence, permits, and other administrative matters.

The Faculty of Agriculture at UGM remains committed to providing high-quality education and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Desi Utami
Editor: Hanita Athasari Zain

In a strategic collaboration, Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) had a discussion to team up with the PT Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) to advance the integration of information technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture. This partnership was discussed during an audience held on Thursday, 29 August 2024, in the Venture Room, AGLC Building, with the representatives from Sumitomo, NTT, along with the dean, vice-dean, head of departments, and head of units in Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

The collaboration aims to develop the innovative solutions for emission reduction in rice cultivation through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method and to prepare for the launch of the Green Campus program. Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen the link between academic and industrial sectors.

“This partnership between Faculty of Agriculture, Sumitomo, and NTT is a significant step in enhancing both academic and practical capacities for our institution, and it also promises to make a positive impact on sustainable agriculture development in Indonesia,” Jaka stated.

Vice-Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., outlined the collaborative potential between UGM, Sumitomo, and NTT. He elaborated on the concept of Smart Eco-Bioproduction, the Faculty’s tagline and vision, and discussed strategic steps already undertaken to support the optimization of the Green Campus program at UGM.

“Faculty of Agriculture has undertaken several initiatives to support the Green Campus goals, including the construction of the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC), which received Final EDGE Certification from the Green Building Council Indonesia, the development of a co-working space in the grape park, conducting waste management, IoT-based agricultural innovations, and the use of electric buses on campus,” Prof. Subejo explained.

Both Sumitomo and NTT are optimistic that this collaboration will generate innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by Indonesian farmers and stimulate local economic growth. Through this partnership, Faculty of Agriculture UGM is committed to support sustainable agriculture and enhance community well-being through relevant education and research. In turn, Sumitomo and NTT are dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology that will benefit all parties involved and the broader community.

This collaborative effort aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Desi Utami